Emergency Food Supplies

In times of crisis or unexpected events, having an adequate supply of food becomes vital. Having a well-stocked emergency food supply can give you peace of mind knowing you are prepared for any situation that may arise. Explore the checklist below and take proactive steps towards building your emergency food reserves today.

Things to Think About

  • What foods are nonperishable and do not need cooking and refrigeration?
  • What foods are easily prepared?
  • What foods are high in calories and protein that will help build energy?
  • What foods appeal to family members?
  • What foods are needed to meet the dietary needs of family members such as babies, toddlers, diabetics, and elderly people?

Food Options to Consider

  • Compressed food bars. They store well, are lightweight, taste good, and are nutritious and high in calories.
  • Trail mix. Blends of granola, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits are available prepackaged, or assemble your own.
  • Dried foods. Dried foods are nutritious and satisfying, but they have salt content, which promotes thirst.
  • Freeze-dried foods. Freeze-dried foods are tasty and lightweight but need water for reconstitution.
  • Instant meals. Instant meals such as cups of noodles or cups of soup are also a good addition to kits, although they too need water for reconstitution.
  • Snack-sized canned goods. Snack-sized canned goods are good because they generally have pull-top lids or twist-open keys.
  • Prepackaged beverages. Beverages packaged in foil packets and foil-lined boxes are suitable for a disaster supplies kits because they are tightly sealed and will keep for a long time.

Food Options to Avoid

  • Commercially dehydrated foods. Commercially dehydrated foods require a great deal of water for reconstitution and require extra effort in preparation. They also are inedible unless they are reconstituted.
  • Bottled foods. Bottled foods are too heavy and bulky and break easily.
  • Meal-sized commercially canned foods are also bulky and heavy.
  • Whole grains, beans, and pasta. Preparations of these foods could be complicated under the circumstance of a disaster.

Purchasing Foods

Most of the foods appropriate for a Disaster Supplies Kit are available at local supermarkets. Specialty food stores such as health food stores or food storage supply houses as well as sporting goods stores may have foods prepared especially for this purpose.

Food Storage Tips

  • Keep food in the driest and coolest spot in the house - a dark area if possible.
  • Keep food covered at all times.
  • Seal cookies and crackers in plastic bags and keep in tight containers.
  • Open food boxes and cans carefully so that they can be closed tightly after each use.
  • Store packages susceptible to pests, e.g., opened packages of sugar, dried fruits, and nuts in screw-top jars or airtight cans.
  • Store wheat, corn, and beans in sealed cans or sealed plastic buckets.
  • Buy powdered milk in nitrogen -packed cans for long term storage.
  • Keep salt and vitamins in their original packages.
  • Inspect all items periodically to make sure there are no broken seals or dented containers, and that they have not expired.

Emergency Cooking

In an emergency, food can be cooked using a fireplace, or a charcoal grill or camp stove, outdoors only. Food can also be heated with candle warmers, chafing dishes, and fondue pots. Canned foods can be heated and eaten directly out of the can. Completely remove the lid and label before heating the can to prevent internal combustion or the label catching fire.

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Things to Think About
Food Options to Consider
Food Options to Avoid
Purchasing Foods
Food Storage Tips
Emergency Cooking